International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Thermoelectric Generator

Hybrid Experimental and AI-Based Framework for Life Prediction of Lithium-Ion Batteries under Mechanical Stress

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) have enjoyed a lot of popularity in electric vehicles and portable electronics, as well as in energy storage systems, because of its high energy density and efficiency. Nevertheless, mechanical loads, including compression, vibration, impact, and nail penetration have a considerable effect on the electrochemical performance and safety of batteries. The mechanical loading conditions have the capability to modify the important electrical parameters such as voltage response, internal resistance, temperature, and capacity degradation, which in the last analysis influence the battery life and reliability. Throughout this literature review paper, the relationship between mechanical testing conditions and the resultant electrical performance of LIB of various form factors, such as cylindrical, pouch, and prismatic cells is examined in detail. Moreover, the review examines how machine learning methods have increasingly been involved in the analysis of complex data produced as a result of mechanical abuse and structural testing. SVM, neural networks and ensemble methods of machine learning have proven to be highly effective in forecasting battery health, failure modes and remaining useful life (RUL). The paper also informs about the recent development of data-driven modeling to predict safety and detect fault in advance. Combining the knowledge of mechanical testing with the forecast of machine learning, this review gathers research gaps and outlines the way forward to build more dependable, secure, and long-lasting lithium-ion battery systems in the future use of energy storage.

Investigation and Analysis of Thermoelectric Generators for Waste Heat Recovery in Small-scale Industries

Iqrah Sayyed, Mandar M. Lele — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The growing global demand for sustainable energy solutions motivates the exploration of technologies that can effectively harness waste heat. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) offer a promising method to directly convert waste heat into usable electrical energy, reducing energy losses and enhancing overall system efficiency. In this study, the development and performance of a low-cost thermoelectric generator prototype utilizing TEC1-12706 modules were investigated. The prototype system integrates an electric heater as the heat source and a fan to maintain an efficient temperature gradient across the thermoelectric modules. The methodology involved designing a compact setup ensuring maximum temperature difference between the hot and cold sides, crucial for maximizing power output through the Seebeck effect. Experimental testing revealed a direct correlation between the temperature gradient and the generated voltage, with a maximum output of 0.93V, sufficient to power a low-power LED. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of low-cost thermoelectric modules in small-scale energy harvesting applications. The conclusions drawn from this study highlight the feasibility of scaling the design for larger waste heat recovery systems and their potential integration into educational and industrial environments for demonstration and practical use.

Environmental Impact of Selected Pollutants in Industrial Wastewater (Discharges) from the South Baghdad Thermal Power Plant Al-Zaafaraniya, Iraq

Qater Al-Nada Ali Al-Ibady, Sabeeha A. J. Beden, Maan Mahmood Sayyid — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluates the industrial wastewater from the South Baghdad (Al-Zaafaraniya) Thermal Power Plant for physicochemical and trace metal contamination, which could endanger aquatic ecosystems if left untreated. The study, which was carried out in Al-Zaafaraniya, South Baghdad, Iraq, in 2024–2025, compared raw Tigris River water and treated effluent to FAO, EPA, and WHO criteria. The approach was field-based, comparative, and descriptive-analytical. Water was gathered from river intake locations and discharge outlets using grab sampling. Important variables were measured, such as pH, temperature, EC, TDS, TSS, turbidity, COD, TOC, hydrocarbons, nutrients (nitrate and phosphate), and trace metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cd, and Mn). The differences between pre- and post-treatment conditions were evaluated statistically using t-tests (P < 0.05). The water quality significantly improved following treatment, according to the results. EC, turbidity, TSS, and TOC (14.63 → 3.16 mg/L) all considerably dropped, while pH stabilized within acceptable ranges (8.0–8.5). The majority of trace metals were below international guidelines, reducing the dangers to the environment and human health. COD, hydrocarbons, manganese, and nutrients (phosphate and nitrate) did, however, occasionally come close to or marginally over regulation limits. The study’s multi-year (2018–2025) integrated assessment, which combines physicochemical analysis, statistical evaluation, and comparison with worldwide standards, is what makes it novel. The results offer an up-to-date scientific database that supports environmental protection, regulatory decision-making and sustainable wastewater management. In order to guarantee long-term compliance and safeguard aquatic ecosystems, future prospects include sophisticated treatment, ongoing monitoring, and focused optimization.

Design and Simulation-based Performance Evaluation of a Bifacial Solar PV Energy System

Gershon Nna, Imereoma Frank Uchendu, Akaninwor Godson Chijioke — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This project presents the design, simulation, and analysis of a bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) panel-based energy system tailored for powering the lighting infrastructure of a mechatronic hall. Bifacial PV technology, capable of harvesting solar irradiance from both front and rear surfaces, is employed to enhance energy yield relative to conventional monofacial systems. The study begins with an assessment of the hall’s lighting demand, revealing a peak power requirement of 2.3 kW at 15:00, representing a 2200% increase relative to the night-time baseline load of 100 W. Load measurements conducted over a 9-hour operational period indicate an average power demand of 1.17 kW, corresponding to a total daily lighting energy consumption of approximately 10.56 kWh. Site-specific solar irradiance data are analyzed to determine optimal system sizing and orientation. System performance is modeled using PVsyst and MATLAB/Simulink, evaluating key parameters such as energy output, bifacial gain, efficiency, and system losses under varying environmental conditions. To enhance reliability and autonomy during periods of low irradiance, the proposed system integrates a battery energy storage unit and a charge controller. Comparative analysis demonstrates that the bifacial PV system achieves higher energy yield and improved cost-effectiveness compared to monofacial alternatives. The results confirm that bifacial solar PV systems provide a sustainable, efficient, and technically viable solution for powering lighting systems in educational and industrial facilities, reducing grid dependency and associated carbon emissions.

Thermal Profiles of Substrate Degradation and Microbial Activity in Water Environments at Different Temperatures

Faith Uchendu Okirie, Tom Cyprian N, Tuboalabo Eno Okon — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Understanding the thermal characteristics of crude oil biodegradation and microbial metabolism is vital for designing efficient bioremediation systems. This study evaluates the heat generated during substrate (crude oil) degradation and bacterial metabolic activity in both freshwater and saltwater media, using controlled bioreactor experiments at varied operating temperatures. Heat profiles were plotted against exposure time for substrate degradation and microbial activity. In the freshwater system, substrate degradation generated substantial heat at elevated temperatures, indicating enhanced metabolic and chemical breakdown rates, while at room temperature, minimal thermal change was observed, reflecting reduced microbial activity and slower substrate turnover. The optimum intermediate temperature favored maximal heat production, suggesting enhanced microbial growth and metabolic activity. In the saltwater medium, heat generation patterns exhibited alternating increases and decreases over time, emphasizing the influence of contact duration and thermal conductivity of reactor materials on heat retention and dissipation. Heat generation dynamics in saltwater were linked to substrate degradation rate coefficients and equilibrium constraints, revealing that both heat-liberating and heat-absorbing processes occurred. Microbial heat profiles showed that mesophilic temperatures favored consistent heat generation, while thermophilic and super-thermophilic ranges exhibited fluctuating heat patterns over time, indicative of complex interactions between temperature, microbial growth phases, and metabolic heat output. These findings highlight the critical role of temperature control in bioreactors and suggest that optimal thermal management can significantly enhance crude oil biodegradation and microbial efficiency.